Bear in mind that I have only finished one course at the time of writing and that was the mandatory one: GMP or Management Challenges in International Organizations as they call it here.

The main difference was that the course was more focused in research. For the exam, there were mandatory readings that if you did not read them you’d be at a disadvantage. The readings were research papers with a maximum of 15 pages.

The other difference was that the exam accounted for only 25% of the final grade. However, it is necessary to pass the exam in order to successfully pass the course.

Is the local CEMS Club active?

Hell yeah. I’m part of it and there’s almost weekly events if not 2 per week. Mostly social oriented but there are/will be corporate style events and seminars. There are plenty of opportunities to hang with other CEMSies and the cohort is relatively big, 65 people.

Accommodation

Available options for accommodation and suggestions

Student housing by using the school’s platform (SSH) is the safest bet to get a place. However, you’re playing Russian roulette with your roommate meaning that you can have someone like my roommate who has a way too smelly room. By searching for actual houses/apartments you get the opportunity to check the house beforehand as most landlords like to know their tenants. If you’re doing it from home, there’s a chance they’ll ask to skype you.

I highly suggest the area of Kralingen which is located close to school yet it’s not that far from the city center where the night life happens. If you choose to live elsewhere account time to school and time to the city center (“Beurs” is considered the city center). Most people get a bike. Average cycling time to school is 10 mins. If it will take you 20 mins that’s fine too, you will probably be closer to the night life.

I also recommend that you form a group in the CEMS RSM group of that semester so you can have 1 or 2 CEMSies to share an actual house with.

Housing is relatively difficult to come by; the market has a really high demand. Take into consideration several things like if it has washing/drying machine, furniture (yes some don’t even have a bed for you), heating and other basic stuff.

Approximate cost of accommodation

Average: 500€

Anything below this is considered good and if you go above it you’re supposed to be paying for better conditions. You might pay 450€ and getting a house far away from everything.

More than 600€ you either have a really good house (picture a place where you see yourself living after 3 years of making money) or you are being robbed.

Total cost of living (per month)

500€

You can spend less than this. Depending on your lifestyle you can easily spend 700€ with going out every week and drinking, etc.

Transportation cost

Tram, subway and trains charge by distance. The first two are used in the city and cost on average 1€ per trip. It cost 30€ round trip to Amsterdam.Uber at 5 am can easily cost 15€ for a 10-min car ride, it’s expensive. The bycicle pays for itself after a couple of nights out or just by saving money in not paying for trams and stuff. It sucks to bike in the rain and snow though.

Meal cost

Average meal out is 15€. Fast food places are 8€. Supermarket is hard to tell without a reference but they cost more than Lisbon, I’d say 50% more but don’t quote me on this.

Experience

So far it has been great. The group experience is not as great as Nova. Nova manages to have a better environment for socializing, here people seem to be more focused on their own life which happens everywhere to be honest. My feeling is that Nova was better, but RSM will still provide you with a good group and lots of good times.

Since I’m here for Spring semester, I have the IBP here and it has been challenging to combine social life with IBP and studies. It’s interesting and with good time management you can do both and still enjoy yourself, there’s no need to be antisocial because you need to study.

Strategic & International HRM – professor Dr. HGH van Dierendonck class was not difficult but not always the most engaging and was a lot of group work.

Main differences compared to Nova SBE teaching methods

I found the classes to be a bit more structured and the professor spoke very clear English. It is hard to really compare professors as they each have their own teaching styles and vary within every school, but I did find the facilities at RSM to be very good and more modern.

Is the local CEMS Club active?

Yes, the local CEMS Club put on a lot of events and were active! Since many home students are just starting the community is very welcoming and everyone is interested in meeting one another. Also the Netherlands is a small country and easy to get around! Makes for a wonderful opportunity to travel with all the students.

I lived near blaak station in a complex on Achterharingvliet and loved it! My roommate was awesome, and my neighbours were so sweet. I also loved the area and would bike to school or take the tram if I needed to. I found my accomidations on the group above!

Approximate cost of accommodation

350 euros – 550 euros // I paid 450 euros for a two-bedroom apartment along the canal. It had a small kitchen, one bathroom, and laundry that was shared with the whole building.

Total cost of living (per month)

Approximately 1000 euros a month which covers daily expenses, insurance, food, books, transport, gym, Accommodations. Gym = around 60 euros for the whole semester at the school (and I highly recommend it, they have tons of class options) and cell phone is about 10 euros per month.

Transportation cost

We had a travel card with the school that you could recharge with money and travel easily. I would say around 30 euros a month was plenty!

Meal cost

7 – 15 euros for an average meal

Experience

Briefly comment your overall experience

Overall I absolutely loved the Netherlands and Rotterdam. I know we all hear the rumors that it is very difficult and hard to manage everything but truthfully, if you choose good electives and work well you will still have the chance to enjoy it. I had a month off during my semester and went to visit my CEMS friends in Brazil! I also believe that as exchange students we have more flexibility since we can choose our own courses. Also I very much took advantage of the transit system. Instead of studying every day at the library, I would take a train to somewhere in new in the Netherlands, study/read on the train. Arrive at my new destination, take a walk around the cute city for an hour or two and then find a nice study spot to do work in! This was such a great way to motivate and reward myself, while at the same time seeing something new. I would also recommend to get the Rotterdam Pas it is a great way to enjoy many attractions for a big discount or even for free! You can pick one up online or at the library in the center. Overall I loved Rotterdam and found it stunning and beautiful. The night life is a bit lower key then Lisbon but its just the right amount to enjoy while your there but not miss it too much while your travelling around! If you ever have any questions I am happy to answer them, feel free to email me at Cristine.j.sousa@gmail.com - Happy Pickings!